Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno urges governors and mayors to encourage families to adopt children, who are in need of an alternative wholesome family environment.

“Local execs should take the lead in strengthening the adoption advocacy campaign in order to safeguard the welfare and protection of every child,” he said in a statement Saturday.

The secretary pointed out the officials could promote adoption through streamers, posters and other information materials in conspicuous places, including briefing on Legal Adoption Campaign during the flag raising ceremony.

The initiative is part of the Adoption Consciousness Month, which has a theme of “Spread Unconditional Love through Legal Adoption” this year. It aims to lower the 1.8 million abandoned or neglected children in the Philippines. (PNA)